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American Red Cross says Be a Holiday Hero, Give the Gift of Life

American Red Cross

American Red CrossNashville, TN – Emergencies don’t take a holiday. The American Red Cross urgently needs blood and platelets donors to make an appointment now to give and help ensure patients can get the treatment they need at a moment’s notice.

In November 2016, a 100-foot maple tree fell on Mike McMahon, causing life-threatening injuries.

American Red Cross urgently needs blood and platelet donations. (Amanda Romney, American Red Cross)
American Red Cross urgently needs blood and platelet donations. (Amanda Romney, American Red Cross)

He needed 11 units of blood during emergency surgery and another seven units to treat complications after. Six weeks following the accident, McMahon was released from the hospital – just in time to spend the holidays with his family.

“I’m grateful for the donors who gave me such an amazing gift – the gift of life,” said McMahon. “I was an occasional blood donor before the accident. Today, I donate as often as I can to help ensure others receive blood when they need it most.”

Now is an important time to give blood and platelets. A seasonal decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors get busy with family gatherings and travel. In addition, severe winter weather can cause blood drive cancellations and negatively affect the blood supply. Patients like McMahon can’t afford for there to be a shortage of blood.

Give the gift of life – make an appointment to donate blood and platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1.800.RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

As a special thank-you for helping meet the urgent need, those who come to give December 20th through January 6th will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 20-Jan. 15

Byrd Health Clinic
7973 Strike Boulevard
Fort Campbell, KY 42223

1/4/2019: 10:00am-3:00pm

Bank of Dickson
466 Highway 46 S.
Dickson, TN   37055

12/31/2018: 10:00am-2:00pm

Family Life Center
713 W. College St.
Dickson, TN 37055

1/2/2019: 2:30pm-7:30pm

Dickson Cumberland Presbyterian
500 Highway 70 E.
Dickson, TN 37055

1/10/2019: 12:30pm-5:30pm

American Red Cross
1760 Madison Street
Clarksville, TN 37043

12/26/2018: 10:30am-4:30pm

1/2/2019: 10:30am-4:30pm

1/4/2019: noon-6:00pm

1/7/2019: 10:30am-4:30pm

1/14/2019: 10:30am-4:30pm

Governor’s Square Mall
2801 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard
Clarksville, TN 37040

12/26/2018: 1:00pm-7:00pm

 

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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